Sepsis Signs: what to look for and what to do
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-11-09. See how we check.
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. Call your local emergency number if someone with an infection has slurred speech or confusion, blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, a rash that does not fade when you press it (for example with a glass), or difficulty breathing. If you are worried, ask a health professional: "could it be sepsis?"
Overview
Sepsis happens when the immune system overreacts to an infection and starts damaging the body's own tissues and organs. It can follow any infection, including chest, urine and skin infections. Anyone can get sepsis, but it is more likely in babies, older people and those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions.
Early symptoms can be similar to flu or a stomach bug, which is why it is easy to miss. Sepsis is treatable if it is caught early.
What may help
- If you think someone has sepsis, get emergency help straight away rather than waiting to see if they improve
- Tell health professionals what infection the person has had and when symptoms started
- Ask directly: "could this be sepsis?"
When to get urgent advice
- Someone with an infection who feels very unwell or is getting worse
When it could be an emergency
- Acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- A rash that does not fade when you press it (for example with a glass)
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
- In a baby or child: being very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake, or having a fit
Call 999 (or your local emergency number) or go to A&E if someone with an infection has a very high or very low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch or is shivery, has not peed all day or has peed very little in the past 18 hours (for a baby or child under 5, has not peed in 12 hours), or is a baby or child who is not feeding, keeps being sick or is more sleepy than usual.
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Sepsis Signs" in the appCommon questions
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection, where the immune system starts to damage the body's own tissues and organs.
Can sepsis be treated?
Yes. Sepsis is treatable, usually with antibiotics and fluids in hospital. The earlier it is treated, the better the outcome.
Who is most at risk of sepsis?
Babies under 1, people over 75, people with weakened immune systems, people with long-term conditions, and anyone who has recently had surgery or a serious illness; women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, had a miscarriage or an abortion; people with a cut, burn, wound or skin infection, or a catheter.
Is sepsis contagious?
No. Sepsis itself cannot be passed from person to person, although some of the infections that lead to it can be.
Official sources
Related topics
Fever in Children
Safe self-care and warning signs to watch for.
Flu (Influenza)
Symptoms, self-care, and when it turns serious.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Symptoms, self-care, and when it's serious.
Sudden Confusion (Delirium)
Sudden changes in thinking need urgent attention.
General information only, last checked 2026-11-09 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Wellness Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.